Page:Madras journal of literature and science vol 1 new series 1856-57.djvu/14

2 The Natron Lake of Loojiar. [no. 1, new series, abrupt dip and edge of the still green lake, the ground especially to the N. and N. E., is under cultivation, and the luxuriance of the crops shews the excellence of the soil and the abundance of the irrigation. ^ Water is supplied freely from springs of sweet, soft water, close to the edge of the lake, and near the surface of the ground as well as from the streams, which in the rainy reason, come from the surrounding water shed, and which have left their vertical trace upon the walls of the crateriform hollow. Here and there, in the thick recesses of the wood, are observed small deserted and ruined Hindoo temples, •ouilj; of the common compact Trap of the district. Many years ago, an officer, upon entering one of them, was seized and seriously injured b> a tiger. The lake, a still sheet of water, emitting an intolerable stench of sulphuretted hydrogen (especially during the heat of the day, when the gas rises in millions of bubbles to the surface of the water), has a bright green color owing to the abundance of confervse on portions of its surface, especially near the edges. The mud close to the margin of the lake, is thick, black, salt and tenacious, from the mixture of regur, salt and alum — when dry, fan shaped, black, glassy crystals of carbonate of soda are seen. The lake has evi- dently lately extended its bounds a good deal, as proved by this, that numerous dead trees are standing within its margin (for every tree touched by the lake dies) and also by the fact, that a bowrie of sweet water, protected by a low wall is now completely surround- ed by the water of the lake. Reptiles, fish, and insects are never found in the lake, but flocks of teal and duck dot its surface. The water has a salt and nauseous taste, and its emanations are said to give rise to fevers of intermittent and remittent types.

At two points, near the centre of the lake, distant from each other about J a mile (judging by sight) are two saline springs which have never been known even in seasons of extreme drought, to become dry. It is supposed that the muriate of soda from this source, coming in contact with the carbonate of lime found abun- dantly in the other springs of the lake, and in the surrounding rocks whence it is washed down by the feeders of the lake, causes the deposition of the carbonate of soda or natron salt, in a state of greater or less purity. The purest varieties, containing upwards